Irish rookie forward Kellie Watson has been named the BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Week after averaging 12.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game with a .636 three-point percentage in two victories last week.

Dec. 1, 2008

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -
Notre Dame freshman forward Kellie Watson (Ionia, Mich./Ionia) has been chosen as the BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Week, it was announced Monday by the conference office. Watson is the first Irish rookie to earn the award in more than three years, dating back to the selection of current senior guard Lindsay Schrader (Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett) on Nov. 21, 2005.

Last week, Watson averaged 12.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game with a .529 field goal percentage (9-of-17) and a .636 three-point percentage (7-of-11) after helping Notre Dame post wins over Georgia Southern (85-36) and No. 24 Michigan State (78-72).

After registering a (then) season-high seven points against GSU, Watson exploded against MSU for a season-best 18 points, canning 6-of-9 three-point attempts to tie the Notre Dame Joyce Center record for treys in a single game (last set by Megan Duffy on Dec. 4, 2003, against Wisconsin). Watson connected on her first five three-point attempts of the day, including three in a stretch of 1:32 late in the first half, before adding her record-tying sixth triple early in the second half. She also grabbed a season-best (and team-high) six rebounds in only 20 minutes of action.

No. 11/10 Notre Dame (5-0) returns to the hardwood Tuesday at 7 p.m. (ET) when it travels to Eastern Michigan. The game will be broadcast live on radio in the South Bend area on Pulse FM (96.9/92.1), and worldwide on the Internet at the official Notre Dame athletic web site (www.UND.com), with veteran broadcaster Bob Nagle on the call.